Review of Juan J Sister ferry

MV Juan J Sister ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel owned and operated by the Spanish company TRASMEDITERRANEA. The ship has a max capacity of 806 passengers and 148 cars. The vessel was launched in 1993 and currently operates on the Spain-Spanish Morocco ferry routes Almeria-Melilla and Malaga-Melilla (crossing time 3,5 hours and 5,5 hours, respectively).

Cabins

As cruise ferry, Juan J Sister has a total of 400 berths in 2-, 3- or 4-bed categories (inside and outside). All staterooms are air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for disabled passengers).

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 min prior to homeport arrival. Passengers with reduced mobility always board the ship first. Disabled passengers traveling with their own vehicles disembark the ship last. All Trasmediterranea ships have reserved seats adapted to passengers with reduced mobility and for visually-impaired people. All ships also have common bathrooms adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.

For no-cabin passengers with reserved seats, the ship provides a dedicated luggage room that remains locked during the voyage. Luggage limit is 40 kg (on the bridge) and 30 kg (on the seats).

On Sun Deck are located Solarium (outdoor relaxation area with sun loungers), jogging track, helipad (helicopter landing area used in cases of emergency), swimming pool and Jacuzzi (summer months only), outdoor Bar Terrace, pets area (air-conditioned room, kennels/booths for dogs and walking area). Passengers are allowed to visit their pets during the crossing. For taking dogs for a deck walk passengers must request permission from the ship staff.

Disco Bar (serving a variety of drinks)

Video Games Room (arcade machines, XBOX consoles)

free Wi-Fi, ATM / cash machine (next to Information Desk / Reception)

The ship has two large-capacity seating lounges (Economy Class and Club Class) fitted with reclining Pullman seats (comfortable armchairs) and large TVs. Club Class passengers are provided with snacks and drinks service.

All public decks are connected via elevators (passenger lifts) and all decks - via staircases.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on all TV screens and at the ship's assembly stations (aka muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In case of emergency, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is forbidden.

Trasmediterranea ferry deals

For foot passengers, the boarding time limit is 30 min prior to departure (15 min on fast ferries). For car passengers, the boarding limit is 1-hour prior departure. Once the time limit has elapsed, the boarding is closed and neither cars or foot passengers are admitted to board the ship. On the Spain-Canaries routes, due to customs, all passengers must arrive at the ferry terminal at least 2 hours before boarding.

Boarding cards can be issued online (upon booking) or from self-serve check-in machines at the ferry terminals, All passengers (including babies and pets) must have individual boarding cards with names. Lost boarding cards will be duplicated free of charge.

To enter Morocco, all ferry passengers must show valid ID cards and passports (and visas / for citizens of some countries). All personal documents must be valid during the stay in Morocco.

Pregnant women must sign an "Information document for pregnant travelers". Women pregnant over 36 weeks are not allowed to travel on Trasmediterranea ships. Babies (0-2 yo) always travel free but without occupying a lounge seat. Kids under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Kids ages 2-13 (inclusive travel at 50% discount rate.

Trasmediterranea ferry deals offer the following discounts:

100% discount for babies 0-2 yo (travel free / must be stated upon booking). Babies are not entitled to a seat.

50% discount for kids ages 2-13 yo

50% residents discount (applied to ticket prices)

40% or 50% military discount (depending on the agreement signed with army corps)

Pets on the ship

Pets (birds, cats, dogs, and inoffensive animals) are allowed to board the ship with car and foot passengers. Pets are not allowed on any of the passenger decks. Car passengers can leave their pets in their vehicle or in the ship's kennels. Foot passengers must transport their pets to and from the ship in pet cage (or another carrier/ not exceeding 50x40x25 cm). The animals must remain in the carrier for the duration of the trip. Large dogs (too big to get in that cage) must be leashed and muzzled.

Boarding cards for pets are required. Upon booking must be indicated what the animal will travel in (cage or pet carrier). Pet ferry rates and accommodation vary by route. Valid healthcare card (with vaccines and deworming calendar) is required.

On Trasmediterranea ships. pets travel at a fee in the ship's cages (deck kennels) or free of charge (in pet carriers). The onboard kennels are built with materials preventing the presence of parasites. They are also meticulous cleaned and disinfected before every voyage. All Trasmediterranea ferries provide the first-aid kit for pets and 24-hour animal hotline service. Passengers' own pet carriers must be appropriate, with a waterproof bottom and always covered.

Guide and assistance dogs accompanying people with disabilities have free access to all the ship's passenger facilities and travel free of charge. They must have a veterinarian ID card and properly muzzled and leashes. Such dogs must always carry an official tag.

Car decks

Car passengers are allowed to travel without any baggage limits. All boarding vehicles must have valid documents and insurance. The deadline for vehicle boarding is 1-hour prior departure. Once that time has passed, the ferry company can't guarantee the boarding. The luggage can stay inside the vehicle. However, during the crossing, car decks/garage remain closed. Car shipping ferry rates vary depending on routes and length measurements.

Trasmediterranea ships provide free of charge service for carrying bicycles, surfboards, and sea kayaks. They are carried in the ship's garage, being properly tied up.